Payroll Associate

This role focuses on end-to-end payroll processing for transit-related construction and maintenance projects, with a strong emphasis on union employees, prevailing wage requirements, and certified payroll reporting. You will work in a shared services environment, handling complex, multi-entity payroll while supporting tax remittances and compliance for a large, growing organization.

Responsibilities

• Process end-to-end payroll for a semi-complex environment, including multi-state, union, and multiple-organization payrolls.
• Manage payroll for union employees, ensuring accurate application of collective bargaining agreements, union rules, and related requirements.
• Handle garnishments, deductions, and other special payroll calculations accurately and on time.
• Administer payroll for transit-related construction and maintenance projects, including compliance with New York Transit and related regulatory requirements.
• Prepare and maintain certified payroll reports and ensure compliance with prevailing wage laws and regulations.
• Support payroll tax activities, including tax calculations and coordination of tax remittances.
• Utilize payroll systems such as SAP and ADP Workforce Now to enter, review, and validate payroll data.
• Collaborate with colleagues in a shared services environment to ensure consistent, accurate payroll processing across the organization.
• Assist with quarter-end and year-end payroll activities as responsibilities increase over time.
• Participate in process improvements and support future involvement in the IT back end of payroll systems.
• Maintain accurate payroll records and documentation in accordance with company policies and regulatory requirements.
• Respond to payroll-related inquiries from employees and internal stakeholders in a professional and timely manner.

• At least 2 years of payroll experience in a semi-complex environment, such as multi-state, union, or multiple organizations, beyond basic timecard entry.
• At least 1 year of experience processing union payroll.
• Hands-on experience with garnishments, deductions, and union payroll requirements.
• Experience with payroll tax processes and basic understanding of tax remittances.
• Experience with certified payroll reporting.
• Experience working with prevailing wage requirements.
• Proficiency with payroll systems, including experience with SAP.
• Experience using ADP Workforce Now for payroll processing.
• Strong computer and technology skills, with the ability to learn and adapt to new systems.
• Ability to work accurately and efficiently in a shared services payroll environment.

• Experience supporting payroll for construction or maintenance projects, particularly those involving transit-related work.
• Familiarity with New York Transit-related payroll requirements and associated red tape.
• Interest in gaining additional responsibilities over time, including quarter-end and year-end payroll support.
• Interest in becoming more involved with the IT back end of payroll systems in the future.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills, with a focus on providing helpful service to internal stakeholders.

The role is based in a corporate shared services environment within a construction and maintenance organization that works closely with transit operations such as the LIRR. You will start fully in-office and, after an initial period, transition to a hybrid schedule of three days in the office and two days working from home each week. The office has around 50 employees and a somewhat traditional, older setup, but the culture is laid back, friendly, and focused on enjoying the work while getting the job done. You will report to the Payroll Director and work alongside nine other payroll team members in a collaborative department within a large, growing company.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract to Hire position based out of Farmingdale, NY.

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $31.25/hr.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan - Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

This is a fully onsite position in Farmingdale,NY.

This position is anticipated to close on May 27, 2026.

Aston Carter provides world-class corporate talent solutions to thousands of clients across the globe. Specialized in accounting, finance, human resources, talent acquisition, procurement, supply chain and select administrative professions, we extend the capabilities of industry-leading companies. We draw on our deep recruiting expertise and expansive network to meet the evolving needs of our clients and talent community with agility and excellence. With offices across the U.S., Canada, Asia Pacific and Europe, Aston Carter serves many of the Fortune 500. We are proud to be a ClearlyRated Best of Staffing double diamond winner for both client and talent service.

The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regard to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation, such as the modification or adjustment of the job application process or interviewing process due to a disability, please email for other accommodation options.

San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance: Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Massachusetts Lie Detector: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI): We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.